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Landon Collins' increased snaps on defense won't affect his many roles on Alabama's special teams

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Alabama defensive back Landon Collins (26) works through drills during Alabama's Wednesday football practice, Monday, October 07, 2013, at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Vasha Hunt/vhunt@al.com)

A smile spread across sophomore safety Landon Collins' face when he was asked if his new role as the Crimson Tide's starting free safety would impact his ability to play on every special teams unit.

Collins' short answer: No way.

"That’s one of my favorite jobs to do is play special teams, even though
playing defense is very important, too," he said after Tuesday's practice. "I mean, special teams are very
important on our field, too."

Collins has been named an Alabama special teams player of the week after three of the Crimson Tide's five games this season. A number of his 21 tackles, which ranks third on the team, have come in the "third phase of the game," as his ability to fly down the field and not miss on opportunities to knock down returners has been as good as anyone in the country.

At his press conference last week, Alabama coach Nick Saban called Collins a "demon" on special teams."

Collins, though, saw a significant increase in his snaps last week against Georgia State and is expected to receive even more Saturday at Kentucky while he fills in for HaHa Clinton-Dix, who is indefinitely suspended. On another team, that might mean less time for Collins on special teams, but Saban has made a point to include a number of regular starters, including a player such as linebacker C.J. Mosley, on the Crimson Tide's special teams units.

Collins will just have less time to catch his breath.

"I love special teams," Collins said. "That’s a game-changer, that’s all defense and offense. I try to do my best at every position I play."

Check out the rest of Collins' interview from Tuesday by clicking on the video.